Germany’s deputy foreign minister, Tobias Lindner, expressed optimism about the multi-billion dollar submarine deal between India and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Lindner’s comments came during his participation in the Raisina Dialogue 2024, a multilateral conference held in New Delhi focusing on geopolitics and international relations.
The prospective deal involves TKMS collaborating with India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd to manufacture submarines for the Indian Navy. Lindner stated that Germany was aware of India’s interest in German submarines and felt honored by it. He expressed optimism about the deal’s prospects, indicating that the next crucial step would involve reaching an agreement between TKMS and the Indian government. Lindner also emphasized that the German government would support the deal in a constructive manner.
However, Lindner acknowledged that Germany has restrictions on weapons exports but assured that the government views applications from German firms to sell arms to India favorably. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to reform Germany’s arms export rules and reiterated Germany’s commitment to being a reliable partner in defense cooperation.
Despite Germany’s cautious approach to arms exports, Lindner emphasized that bilateral defense trade between India and Germany has significantly increased since 2018. He pointed out that Germany is currently debating new legislation on arms exports, indicating a positive trend in approving requests from German defense companies for exports to India. Lindner emphasized that Germany values its relationship with India in defense cooperation and strives to be a trustworthy partner in this regard.
The visit of Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to India in July last year underscored the potential for defense collaboration between the two countries. During his visit, Pistorius met with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, and discussed the possibility of German defense investments in India’s Defense Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. These corridors are intended to enhance defense manufacturing capabilities in India and provide opportunities for collaboration with foreign defense firms. Pistorius also visited key defense establishments in India, including the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, to explore avenues for cooperation.
Lindner’s remarks on the submarine deal and defense cooperation reflect the growing strategic partnership between India and Germany in the defense sector. Both countries recognize the importance of enhancing defense ties to address shared security challenges and promote regional stability.
In addition to discussing defense cooperation, Lindner also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began two years ago on February 24, 2022. He called for India’s involvement in the peace process initiated by Ukrainian President Zelensky and emphasized the importance of facilitating a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Lindner suggested that India could play a constructive role in the peace process and contribute to resolving the conflict through diplomatic efforts.
Overall, Lindner’s statements underscore Germany’s commitment to deepening its strategic engagement with India and enhancing bilateral cooperation in defense and security matters. The submarine deal represents a significant opportunity for both countries to strengthen their defense capabilities and foster closer defense ties in the years ahead.